AS so often happens, the weather for the 22nd Petersfield RFC Pub Sevens was a complete contrast to last year, with the rock-hard Penns Place pitches kicking up dust as the players went about their business and the spectators reddened in the sun.

It was perhaps the warmest Pub Sevens on record, but rather than wilt in the heat, the winter warriors rose to the challenge and gave a fine display of committed running rugby.

With some regulars from previous seasons dropping out, there was space for some fresh blood and the newcomers didn’t disappoint, with the Angel, Hungry Boys, Wave Maiden and Three Cockerels all making it to the knockout stages. Cloisters Codgers, however, were the pick of the bunch, making it all the way to the cup final with the help of their star player, Petersfield’s own Charlie Amesbury.

The former Petersfield mini and junior player is currently taking a break from professional rugby at Queens’ College, Cambridge where he is studying for a masters in social innovation and captaining the Light Blues XV. He has played top-flight rugby for Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons and Bristol and was part of the England squad that competed in the IRB Sevens World Series.

There was also a strong turn-out from other local hostelries. The Charles Street Tap and Queens Head joined the Clubhouse in putting out two teams, alongside the ever-present Folly Wine Bar, Good Intent and George.

After a keenly contested knockout stage, the finalists for the Bowl and Plate finals included Bird in Hand and Folly Wine Bar, both defending the trophies they won last year. Neither side was given an easy ride by opponents, Coxy’s Windmill Inn and the Queens Head II, but both dug deep to retain their silverware.

In a bizarre twist of synchronicity, the Cup final also featured the holders, White Horse. Having swept all before them and blown away Charles Tap II in their semi-final, the White Horse came up against debutants Cloisters Codgers RFC. The Codgers had a harder route to the final, including a narrow victory over Kings.

True to form, the well-drilled White Horse proved too good and ran up an early lead they were never to relinquish. Cloisters had their moments and scored two consolation tries in a 12-42 defeat.

Petersfield RFC chairman and event organiser, Stuart Barden, praised the competitors and the refereeing team, resplendent in their CWC Research sponsored Rosemary Foundation shirts. He also thanked Hassan and Sarah Mantini of the Trooper Inn for their continuing support of this iconic rugby festival.

Sarah Mantini presented the awards, while Sarah Hicks presented a tankard to Coxy’s Windmill Inn who were adjudged to have the best shirt. The tankard was in memory of her husband, Jerry Hicks, a popular local publican and club supporter.

The popular O2 touch rugby sessions resumed this week at Petersfield. The sessions are open to males and females (aged over 13) and all abilities. The sessions will run every week throughout the summer.

Other important summer dates on the Petersfield calendar include the Royal Navy Rugby League ‘State of Origin’ match on June 14, the popular ‘Music Field’ festival of food and music on June 30 and a return of the spectacular UK Fijian Sevens tournament on August 4.